Root Vegetable

When to Plant Beets in Florida

Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.

The Short Answer

Beets are a quick, productive cool-season crop in Florida, maturing in 50-70 days during the mild winter months. They're one of the easier root crops for Florida's sandy soils.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Beets Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Beets in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: sow October through January. Central Florida: November through January. South Florida: December through January. Florida's sandy soils grow decent beets with compost amendment. Thin clusters to one plant. Harvest at 1.5-2 inches for tender roots.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Detroit Dark Red and Early Wonder. UF/IFAS recommends beets as a reliable cool-season root crop for Florida beginners.

Common Challenges in Florida

Nematodes in sandy soils. Cercospora leaf spot. Heat ends the season — don't attempt after February in south Florida.

Growing Tips

Each beet 'seed' is actually a cluster — thin to one plant after sprouting. Harvest at 1.5-3 inches for tender roots.

Companion Planting

Plant beets alongside these companions for better growth:

Onions Lettuce Cabbage Broccoli

Keep beets away from:

Pole Beans

The Bottom Line

Beets can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Beets Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Beets in Alabama Alabama planting dates Beets in Alaska Alaska planting dates Beets in Arizona Arizona planting dates Beets in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates